TWICE UPON A TIME (with Janet Ellis)

ตอน

• Maggi Hambling 23.10.2025 34นาที

  In this special episode with the brilliant British artist Maggi Hambling, released on Maggi's birthday, host Janet Ellis finds out about Maggi's love for all things 'Just William'. Having been introduced to the books by Richmal Crompton at a young age, and often identifying with the lead character, Maggi tells Janet how the books have continued to provide her with joy throughout her life. Maggi's achievements are many and varied, including the distinction of being the first artist in residence at the National Gallery. As a painter and sculptor, Maggi's notable works include her intricate land and sea paintings, as well as her sculptures; the memorial to Mary Wollstonecraft, A Conversation with Oscar Wilde and the Scallop on Aldeburgh Beach celebrating the composer Benjamin Britten.From 20th November 2025 to 24th January 2026, 'OOO LA LA: Maggi Hambling and Sarah Lucas' is at Sadie Coles HQ and Frankie Rossi Projects in London www.frankierossiart.com.  The book Maggi Hambling, published by Rizzoli New York, is released 28 October 2025 www.rizzoliusa.com
• S3 Ep10: JEREMY DYSON 31.10.2023 37นาที

  In a suitably macabre special episode for the season, Janet returns this week to speak to Jeremy Dyson, author, musician, screenwriter and of course, member of the League of Gentleman.Jeremy introduces his childhood book 'Haunted Britain' by the curiously named Anthony D. Hippisley Coxe; a brilliant, terrifying and often unintentionally amusing guide to the most haunted spots in the UK. Where, for example, might you see the ghost of Sir Francis Bacon's chicken? Which spot did young Jeremy beg his parents to take him to visit? Are the photos within the book bad or just haunted? How did this first book inspire Jeremy in his later career? Join Jeremy and Janet to find out!For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep9: PHYLLIS LOGAN 20.09.2023 36นาที

  Recorded live at the Chiswick Festival, Phyllis Logan (Secrets and Lies, Lovejoy, Downton Abbey) joins Janet to discuss her favourite childhood book Alison's Spy Adventure - a rollicking tale of espionage set in Scotland with Alison and her childhood friend solving the great mystery before the adults do.Sheila Stuart wrote 15 books in the Alison series in all, as well - wholly unconnectedly - a few guides to antiques. Little exists to be found about her private life but only that Sheila Stuart was her pen name (her real name was Gladys May Baker). Daughter of a minister and born in Scotland, she trained as a journalist in Dundee before going on to write the Alison books. Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisThe Producer is Caroline RaphaelRecording and Editing by John Wakefield.Follow us on instagram @twiceuponpod for pictures of the guests and their books. Thanks to the Chiswick Book Festival and organisers Jo James and Torin Douglas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep8: ANDY NYMAN 04.08.2023 35นาที

  In this show, recorded LIVE at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, Janet is delighted to welcome actor, writer and magician Andy Nyman to discuss his choice of spooky of book (so spooky he never could bring himself to read it, but was fascinated by the pictures within...).Andy's choice; 'Monsters of the Movies' by Denis Gifford (perhaps the greatest British comics collector in history) whose passion for monsters inspired a generation.To see pictures of the books and our guests - and in this instance images from the recording itself - visit @twiceuponpod on Instagram.Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick podcast.Producer is Claire BroughtonRecordist and Editor is John WakefieldWith thanks to Nathalie Bristow and the team at The Lyric Hammersmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep7: JACQUELINE WILSON 27.07.2023 52นาที

  Former Children's Laureate, creator of the beloved 'Tracy Beaker' and one of the countries 3 most borrowed authors, Dame Jaqueline Wilson joins Janet to discuss P. L. Travers enduring classic 'Mary Poppins' - having loved the book and and yet never seen the Disney adaptation.For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep6: KONNIE HUQ 21.07.2023 41นาที

  Janet is joined by fellow Blue Peter Alumnus, author and presenter Konnie Huq who brings along her choice, 'Superfudge' by Judy Blume.For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep5: ANDI OSHO 14.07.2023 35นาที

  In conjunction with Primadonna Festival, Andi Osho writer and actress, most recently from the brilliant 'Blue Lights' joins Janet to discuss her book choice 'Willie The Squowse' by Ted Allan. Andi will shortly be a judge at the Primadonna Festival, awarding the prize of a book contract for an unsigned, un-agented author. For more about the festival and to buy tickets head to www.primadonnafestival.comFor more about the podcast head to our instagram @twiceuponpodProduced by Caroline RaphaelRecorded and edited by Diggory Waite and John Wakefield.Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep4: LORRAINE KELLY 07.07.2023 40นาที

  Lorraine Kelly OBE; presenter, broadcaster and host of her own eponymous and beloved show on ITV since 2010, joins Janet with her choice of 'Claudine at St.Clare's' by Enid Blyton.Warm reflections on growing up, school days and the escapism of Enid Blyton.For pictures of our guests and their books please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep3: DIANE MORGAN 30.06.2023 36นาที

  Diane Morgan, actress, writer and known to many as the brilliant Philomena Cunk, chooses The Iron Man by Ted Hughes as her book in this episode. As you'd expect, a hilarious chat this week, partly due to Diane's reaction to re reading the book for the pod!For pictures of our guests and their books please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep2: NICK MOHAMMED 23.06.2023 40นาที

  It's our pleasure to welcome Nick Mohammed to the pod this week, star of Ted Lasso and creator of the brilliant Mr Swallow. Nick introduces Janet to his favourite childhood book 'Pocket Magic' by Peter Eldin, a veritable cornucopia of tricks and tips for the budding magician. In this episode Nick talks about the beginning of his fascination with magic in childhood and how a love of magic has been a constant throughout his career. For pictures from the book please visit our instagram @twiceuponpodA Hat Trick PodcastTwice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecording and editing by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteProduced by Caroline RaphaelExecutive Producer Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S3 Ep1: SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR 15.06.2023 31นาที

  In this show, recorded LIVE at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, Janet is delighted to welcome musician and all round superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor to discuss her choice of book and find out if parental reading during her childhood was really up to scratch!Sophie chose Just Awful by Alma Marshak Whitney (of whom, not a huge amount is known) but the images in the book are brilliantly drawn by Lilian Hoban, a celebrated illustrator, who brings this simple but heartwarming story to life.To see pictures of the books and our guests - and in this instance images from the recording itself - visit @twiceuponpod on instagram.Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick podcast.Producer is Caroline RaphaelRecordist and Editor is John WakefieldWith thanks to Nathalie Bristow and the team at The Lyric Hammersmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep10: HAYLEY MILLS 29.11.2022 35นาที

  Quintessential English actress Hayley Mills, star of numerous films including the original Parent Trap, That Darn Cat and the BAFTA winning Whistle Down The Wind joins Janet this week with her choice 'My Friend Flicka' by Mary O'Hara. This book which enthralled the young Hayley still holds the adult reader now with its examination of adult perspectives within the book as well as the bond between horses and their humans. Reminiscences about Hayley's early life include where she used to read as a child and how her home life was kept resolutely normal after her filming commitments had pause. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick PodcastProduced by Caroline RaphaelPost Production by Diggory Waite and Andy GoddardExec Producer Claire BroughtonFollow the pod @twiceuponpod for pictures of the guests and their vintage books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep9: ANTHONY HOROWITZ 22.11.2022 46นาที

  Best-selling author Anthony Horowitz is known not only for his original works such as the Magpie Murders and the Hawthorne Series but also for managing to inhabit existing characters such as Sherlock Holmes and James Bond in his hugely successful continuation novels of these series. For generations of younger readers however it is his Alex Rider novels that have proved hugely popular and also a gateway for many to properly addictive reading. His choice is The Seven Crystal Balls, a Tintin mystery (and the first half of a two part mystery). Anthony's latest novel 'A Twist of A Knife' is the latest Hawthorne Mystery available now.Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick Podcast.The Producers are Claire Broughton and Caroline RaphaelRecording and Editing by Andy Goddard and Diggory WaiteFollow us on @twiceuponpod on instagram for pictures of the books and the interviewees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep8: VICTORIA HISLOP 15.11.2022 27นาที

  Celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop joins Janet this week to talk about 'I Am David' by Anne Holm. Victoria describes wonderfully how she remembers the book being to her class by their teacher and also how it inspired her in her own writing.Victoria's latest book Maria's Island is a brilliant children's adaptation of her bestseller The Island. Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick ProductionProducers are Caroline Raphael and Diggory WaiteExecutive Producer for Hat Trick is Claire Broughton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep7: PAUL SINHA 08.11.2022 35นาที

  Champion Quizzer Paul Sinha joins Janet this week with his choice of - of course - The Guinness Book of Records (1982 edition, year specifically chosen by Paul). Expect facts galore, an examination of 1982 as a whole and how Paul and Janet would best each qualify for entry into this distinguished tome.Twice Upon A Time with Janet Ellis is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us @twiceuponpod for pictures of our guests and their books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep6: ELIZABETH DAY 01.11.2022 34นาที

  The brilliant novelist and podcaster Elizabeth Day joins Janet today with her choice of book 'The Ordinary Princess' by M.M.Kaye. Kaye is probably best known for her novel 'The Far Pavilions' which drew from her time growing up in India, which has also been made into a television series and a musical, but this tale of the princess who strives to be ordinary feels ahead of its time in terms of a female protagonist who is resolute in choosing to lead the life she wishes to lead and not that perhaps expected of her. Follow us @twiceuponpod for pictures from the interviews, the vintage books sourced and our celebration of all things to do with discovering the joy of reading.Twice Upon A Time (with Janet Ellis) is a Hat Trick Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep5: BONUS - JANET'S OWN CHOICE 14.06.2022 2นาที

  Just before we take a brief break to record some more episodes, here is Janet's own choice - The Swish Of The Curtain by Pamela BrownWritten when the author was 13 in 1938 it was finished a couple of years later and followed by several sequels. Pamela would later use the money she earned from the book to pay her way through drama school, eventually becoming an actress and producer for television.Twice Upon A Time is presented by Janet EllisRecorded by Caroline RaphaelEdited by John WakefieldExec Producer is Claire BroughtonFollow us @twiceuponpod for pictures of the vintage books and our guests (their owners!)Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep4: LISSA EVANS 07.06.2022 43นาที

  Janet's guest this week is producer, novelist and children's author Lissa Evans. Her choice is the delightful 'Five Children and It' by E. Nesbit about a group of children who discover a magical being who can grant them wishes. Listen to hear how the book influenced Lissa's own writing and also some further insight into the life of E.Nesbit herself. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick Production.Follow the show on instagram @twiceuponpodThe show is recorded and edited by John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteExecutive Producers are Claire Broughton and Caroline Raphael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep3: HELEN ZALTZMAN 31.05.2022 40นาที

  Podcast royalty this week as the wonderful Helen Zaltzman; podcaster, broadcaster and writer, joins Janet to talk about Judith Kerr's book 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' based on Judith's own childhood as her jewish family fled Nazi Germany to seek refuge. A fantastic chat about Helen's own childhood as an avid reader and her own families flight.If you're keen to hear more from Helen and don't already know her podcasts, do go and listen to The Allusionist, Answer Me This!, and the Veronica Mars recap podcast Veronica Mars Investigations as they're all brilliant!@twiceuponpod is also on instagram for pictures of our guests and their vintage books.Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick PodcastProducers are John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteExec Producers are Claire Broughton and Caroline Raphael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• S2 Ep2: SUSIE DENT 24.05.2022 31นาที

  Susie Dent, wordsmith extraordinaire, joins Janet this week to talk about her favourite book Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfeild. Follow us on @twiceuponpod for pictures from the pod and cover pictures of the vintage books chosen. Twice Upon A Time is a Hat Trick PodcastThe Producers are John Wakefield and Diggory WaiteExec Producers are Claire Broughton and Caroline Raphael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.